Tarkwa: The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in partnership with the German Embassy in Ghana has extended its dialogue session on climate, to Tarkwa in the Western Region. The forum aimed to sensitize the public to be alert about climate and brought together lecturers, representatives from state and non-state institutions, youth groups, traditional leaders, and students to discuss the theme: 'Overlooked Impact of Illegal Mining'. According to Ghana News Agency, Miss Sivine Jansen, the Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the relevance of the illegal mining issue (galamsey) due to its significance to Ghana. She noted that the German Embassy had focused on this issue because of its critical impact, choosing Tarkwa, a key area in Ghana's mining industry, for the dialogue. Miss Jansen highlighted the close developmental cooperation between Germany and Ghana, involving significant investments in energy production and youth education. She warned that the pollution of rivers could force Ghana to import water by 2030, undermining assistance from Germany and other donors. She illustrated the severity of river pollution, citing turbidity levels of 14,000 in rivers around Tarkwa, far exceeding the 2,000 turbidity level required by the Ghana Water Company Limited for treating water safely. Miss Jansen also noted the local awareness of the destructive impact of galamsey on health, the environment, and agriculture. Despite pre-election efforts to curb galamsey, Miss Jansen urged for more action to prevent youth involvement in illegal mining, suggesting regulated mining practices in designated areas with proper training and equipment. Mr. Moses Kpegbu from the Environmental Protection Agency in Tarkwa discussed the extensive environmental damage caused by the entire galamsey process, affecting climate change and hindering hydroelectric projects in the region. He called for collective action to tackle climate change. Climate change advocate Kwame Nsiah Appau, also known as 'Okyeame Kw ame,' shared his advocacy journey, emphasizing the urgency of the climate conversation. He advocated for dialogue over a total ban on illegal mining, proposing a balanced approach to protect the environment. Okyeame Kwame pledged to leverage his social media influence to fight against illegal mining, aiming to engage young people and national leaders, and to pressure authorities and citizens to act responsibly.